- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,193,981
- Reaction score
- 59
Lionel Messi is determined to keep his and Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive as the national team prepares for its round of 16 clash against Egypt Tuesday, July 7.
As the defending champions, Argentina is eyeing a historic back-to-back triumph and what would be its fourth World Cup title.
Messi endured heartache in the 2014 World Cup final, when Germany edged out Argentina with a 1-0 victory secured by Mario Götze’s extra-time goal. Despite creating several opportunities, Messi, along with Gonzalo Higuaín and Rodrigo Palacio, was unable to convert decisive chances, leaving Argentina short of football’s ultimate prize.
Eight years later, at 35 years old, Messi finally led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. In one of the most thrilling finals in tournament history, Argentina overcame France in a dramatic showdown that ended 3-3 after extra time, with Messi scoring twice and France’s Kylian Mbappé netting a historic hat trick.
The final was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, with Argentina prevailing 4-2. This victory crowned Messi as one of the greatest players of all time, as he lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time.
Now at 39, he is looking for his second World Cup title and consecutive titles for Argentina.
More: Is this Messi's last World Cup as Argentina star plays in round of 16?
Lionel Messi and Argentina won their first World Cup title since 1986 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, beating France in a penalty shootout (4-2) after a 3-3 draw in extra time.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How many World Cups has Messi won? Argentina eyes back-to-back titles
Continue reading...
As the defending champions, Argentina is eyeing a historic back-to-back triumph and what would be its fourth World Cup title.
Messi endured heartache in the 2014 World Cup final, when Germany edged out Argentina with a 1-0 victory secured by Mario Götze’s extra-time goal. Despite creating several opportunities, Messi, along with Gonzalo Higuaín and Rodrigo Palacio, was unable to convert decisive chances, leaving Argentina short of football’s ultimate prize.
Eight years later, at 35 years old, Messi finally led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. In one of the most thrilling finals in tournament history, Argentina overcame France in a dramatic showdown that ended 3-3 after extra time, with Messi scoring twice and France’s Kylian Mbappé netting a historic hat trick.
The final was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, with Argentina prevailing 4-2. This victory crowned Messi as one of the greatest players of all time, as he lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time.
Now at 39, he is looking for his second World Cup title and consecutive titles for Argentina.
More: Is this Messi's last World Cup as Argentina star plays in round of 16?
Has Messi won a World Cup title?
Lionel Messi and Argentina won their first World Cup title since 1986 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, beating France in a penalty shootout (4-2) after a 3-3 draw in extra time.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How many World Cups has Messi won? Argentina eyes back-to-back titles
Continue reading...
